We are doing a 10 day cruise (which we are paying for) but I have 3 days pre cruise. I have booked the 1st nt at LeMeridien in Papeete since we arrive at 9:30 in the evening. We plan to take the ferry over to Moorea the next morning and spend 2 nights at the Intercontinental, which I have booked with rewards. All night used points and cash, so cash total for 3 nights is $250. I was considering upgrading to Ambassador status (32K points) to get an upgrade. It says it is a guaranteed upgrade. Is this true? The next upgrade level is a beach bungalow which would be awesome. What if the hotel is sold out? Should I just take my chances, since I am platinum I am eligible for a possible upgrade. Is it worth the 32K points or $200. What would be your strategy? Any one out there have any recent experience to share?